Scouting for Food Returns November 7 and 14 to Help Feed Families Across the Shenandoah Valley

Residents across the Shenandoah Valley will have an opportunity to help feed local families when Scouting America’s annual Scouting for Food drive returns on November 7 and 14, 2026.

Scout troops from the Shenandoah Area and Virginia Headwaters Councils will visit neighborhoods throughout the region to collect nonperishable food donations for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

The two-weekend effort begins Saturday, November 7, when Scouts distribute door hangers reminding residents about the upcoming collection.

On Saturday, November 14, Scouts will return to participating neighborhoods to pick up donated food.

Residents are encouraged to place bags or boxes of canned goods and other nonperishable items outside their front doors early that morning. The Food Bank’s announcement requests donations by 9 a.m., although some local Scout councils recommend having items ready by 8 a.m. Residents should follow the instructions on their door hangers.

The collected food will help stock pantries and provide meals for families facing hunger throughout central and western Virginia.

What Foods Are Most Needed?

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank encourages residents to donate nutritious, shelf-stable foods, particularly items that provide protein and support healthy meals.

Most-needed donations include peanut butter, canned meats and fish, beans, pasta, rice, whole-grain cereals, canned vegetables, and fruit packed in juice.

The Food Bank particularly welcomes foods that are high in protein, low in sodium, low in added sugar, and made with whole grains.

All donations should be unopened and nonperishable.

The Food Bank does not accept glass containers, and residents should avoid donating foods that require refrigeration.

Even a small bag of groceries can help provide meals for someone struggling to afford enough food.

More Than One Million Pounds Collected Since 2012

Scouting for Food has become one of the region’s longstanding community service traditions.

Since the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank began formally tracking donations in 2012, area Scouts have collected 1,035,671 pounds of food, along with monetary contributions that have helped provide approximately 899,149 meals.

Last year’s drive alone generated enough food and financial support to provide approximately 44,642 meals.

The program gives young Scouts an opportunity to serve their communities while learning about the challenges faced by neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

The annual effort reflects Scouting America’s longtime slogan, “Do a Good Turn Daily.”

Participating Scouts help distribute reminders, collect donations, and deliver food to the organizations that serve people in need.

Scouts can also earn a special recognition patch by reporting the weight of their collected donations and where the food was delivered.

What If Scouts Don’t Visit Your Neighborhood?

Residents who don’t receive a door hanger or miss the November 14 collection can still participate.

You may deliver food donations directly to the nearest Blue Ridge Area Food Bank distribution center during regular business hours.

For residents of Front Royal, Warren County, and the northern Shenandoah Valley, the nearest regional facility is:

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank – Northern Region

1802 Roberts Street
Winchester, VA 22601
Phone: 540-665-0770

The facility is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

When dropping off donations, residents should indicate that the contribution is for “Scouts” so the Scouting for Food campaign receives credit.

Additional distribution centers are located in Verona, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg.

A complete list of locations is available at brafb.org/contact-us.

Financial Donations Also Make a Difference

Those who cannot provide food donations can still support the campaign financially.

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank accepts online contributions specifically designated for Scouting for Food at give.brafb.org/scouting.

According to the Food Bank, every $1 donated helps provide more than three meals.

Financial contributions allow the organization to purchase needed food, move supplies where demand is greatest, and help keep community pantries stocked.

Helping Families Throughout the Region

Founded in 1981, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization serving western and central Virginia.

Its service area includes 25 counties and eight cities, with distribution centers in Winchester, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Verona.

Through more than 300 community partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other programs, the organization provides nutritious food to people who need assistance.

The Food Bank reports an average of 178,700 guest visits each month across its service area.

The Scouting for Food campaign comes at an important time of year, as families prepare for the holidays and local food assistance organizations work to meet continuing demand.

For residents who want to help, participating can be as simple as setting aside a few cans of food and leaving them outside for collection.

Scouting for Food dates:

• Saturday, November 7: Scouts distribute door hangers in participating neighborhoods.
• Saturday, November 14: Scouts collect food donations. Have items outside early and follow the pickup time on your door hanger.

For more information about the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, visit www.brafb.org.